It was morning on Densetsu Isle, on the first day since Ash, his mother, his partner Pikachu, her Mr. Mime "Mimey", and Professor Oak had arrived. In the villa that they were staying with the Landors sisters, Ash had woken up, now pumped to start a new day.
After arriving on the legendary Densetsu Isle for it's annual tournament, our heroes Ash and Pikachu look to start a new day of training with their new friends and soon-to-be rivals. But what they don't know is what surprises the day will hold for them…
Ash himself came downstairs with Pikachu on his shoulder, all dressed up and ready.
"Well, Pikachu, it's a brand new day and the perfect time to start training for the tournament, huh buddy?," he said to his long-time starter Pokémon.
"Pika Pika Pikachu!," Pikachu replied. The two then entered the kitchen, where they found Professor Oak reading a book, and Delia, Mimey, and Kensi had finished preparing breakfast.
"Good morning, Professor," Ash greeted the Kanto researcher. Oak then looked up and noticed Ash and Pikachu
"Oh, good morning Ash, Pikachu. Hope you both slept well."
Ash nodded as he rubbed his stomach as he said, "Morning, Mom. Smells great!"
"Pika Pi!"
"Of course, Ash, dear," Delia replied. "Knowing you, you're gonna need all the energy you can get for your training!"
"Mime Mime!," Mimey said in agreement.
Ash and Pikachu then nodded, but then the former noticed that someone was missing from the group.
"Hang on… where's April?," he asked. Before anyone could answer, everyone heard an exasperated yell, which was quickly deduced to be April's.
"My guess: upstairs tending to her bedhead," Kensi suggested. The four and Pikachu headed upstairs to the Landors girls' room.
"Hey, April, are you okay in there?," Ash said as he started to open the door.
"DON'T YOU DARE COME IN HERE, ASH KETCHUM!," April bellowed, startling Ash so much that he backed off from the door, as well as everyone else. Kensi then approached the door.
"Sis? It's Kensi. You need some help in there?," she asked.
"As much as I can get. My hair is a total mess!"
"Um, if you don't mind dear, maybe I can help too," Delia added. There was a short pause.
Finally, April said, "Okay, Kens, Mrs. Ketchum, you can come in, but you boys stay out!"
Delia and Kensi both entered the room, and closed the door behind them, leaving Ash, Pikachu, and Professor Oak looking puzzled.
"And I thought Dawn made such a fuss about her hair in the morning," Ash said, exasperated.
"Pika-Pi!," Pikachu agreed, equally exasperated.
Inside the room, Delia and Kensi found April trying to smooth down her waist-length hair, but no sooner had she finished than her hair became frazzled and unkempt again, much to the former two's surprise.
"What do I do about this misbehaving mop of mine?!," April groaned. "I've tried brushing, combing, flattening by hand, and nothing has worked! And I can't braid it until I fix it!"
"You could use my hot iron," Kensi suggested.
"No way! You know I hate putting heat to my hair!"
Delia thought for a moment before she suggested, "Um, well, I remember Ash telling me once that a friend of his had her Piplup use Bubble Beam to fix her bed-head."
"Hmm, maybe," April said with consideration, as Kensi took out one of her Poké Balls.
"Swanna, let's go," she said as she let out her Swanna.
"Swanna!," Swanna said.
"Swanna, use Bubble Beam on April's hair," Kensi commanded. Swanna then unleashed a beam of water bubbles into April's hair.
"Wow, thanks, Kens," April said as she took her brush and began to brush her long, now-gleaming hair.
"Need an extra hand?," Delia said as she took a comb and started to help April with her hair. In no time, her hair was gleaming, straight, and kempt.
"Thank you both so very much!"
"Oh, it was nothing."
"Yeah, what else are big sisters for?," Kensi replied.
"Well, I can take it from here, I'll join you guys in a minute," April said. She then started to braid her hair as Delia and Kensi left the room.
Not long afterwards, in the dining room, Ash, Pikachu, Delia, Mimey, Oak, and Kensi were starting on breakfast, when April entered the room, her blue hair now gleaming and braided.
"Morning everyone," she said as she took a seat next to Ash.
"Wow, April, not bad," Ash complemented her hair.
"Thanks, and sorry for snapping at you before."
"It's alright, I've had a few friends who've reacted the same way to bed-head."
"I see."
"So, I assume you guys are going to do some more training today?," Oak asked the two kids.
"You bet. We're meeting the rest of the guys in the training area today," April answered.
"Yeah, the tournament's in three weeks and we and our Pokémon are gonna be in tip-top shape for it, right Pikachu?," Ash declared.
"Pi-Pika," Pikachu said in agreement.
"That's great. But remember, there's more than just training to do around here," Delia reminded them.
"Yeah, they're gonna have plenty of events around here to participate in," Kensi said in agreement. "I mean, training is important and all, but sometimes you need to stop and smell the roses, if you know what I mean."
"Well, when those events come, we'll definitely take part," Ash replied.
"You know it!," agreed April with a confident grin.
The Red Flames of Rivalry: Part 1
Later on, after breakfast, Ash, Pikachu, April, and Kensi made their way down the training area to meet up with their friends.
"Man, I'm just pumped to get started on training today!," Ash exclaimed.
"Pika!," Pikachu added.
"Me too!," April said. "Alan promised to give you a practice battle, I can't wait to see you guys face off!"
"Yeah, and then you and Flynn are gonna battle next," Ash reminded. "And then Erald and Kensi!"
"Yep," said Kensi. "As I said, I might not be participating in the tournament this time around, but I can sure help you all prepare!"
Soon, the four approached the training area, but as they did they could hear sounds of Pokémon battling.
"Do you hear that?," April asked.
"Yeah, sounds like a battle is going on!," Ash added.
"Pika-Pi-Pikachu!," exclaimed, recognizing the battle cries.
"You don't think they started without us, do you?," Kensi asked.
"Only one way to find out!," Ash said as he rushed to the training area, with, Pikachu, April and Kensi behind him. Upon reaching the grounds they came across Alan, Shinx, Flynn, Megan, Erald, Leo, and Bulbasaur, along with a crowd of other trainers that had come to use the training area, all watching a double battle between two trainers.
The one on the left was an 18-year-old guy with blonde, slicked-back hair, and wearing an all-white dress suit and tie, white shoes, and white gloves. In front of him was a Luxray and Sandslash, and on his sidelines were a Raichu, Salemence, Ursaring, and Lucario.
The trainer on the right was a 14-year-old girl with long red hair tied into two pigtails, who wore a purple sleeveless shirt that stopped above her midriff with a yellow and pink star logo, a matching skirt with rainbow-colored beads, and purplish-black stillettos. In front of her was a Marshtomp and Seviper, and on her sidelines were a Loudred, Gardevior, Dustox, and Glaceon.
As the crowd watched, the two called their Pokemon to attack.
"Luxray, use ThunderShock, and Sandslash, Rollout!," the boy called. Luxray unleashed a charge of electrictity and Sandslash curled up into a ball and rolled towards the Pokemon.
"Marshtomp, Mudshot! Seviper, Poison Tail!," the girl called. Marshtomp spit several balls of mud to counter the Thundershock, and Seviper's tail glowed purple as it lashed it at Sandslash. The attacks collided, cancelling each other out as everyone watched.
"Wow, those two are good!," Megan said.
"Evenly matched even," Leo said.
"Who are they anyway?," Ash asked in wonder.
"The guy is Raynard Winters, big time Pokemon Trainer and popular music star from Jubilife City in Sinnoh," Kensi said. "He won the Sinnoh League when he was 12 and beat two of the region's Elite Four. I faced off against him two years ago. He handed me one of my closest defeats ever."
"Oh, yeah. I remember that," April said, having recalled her sister's defeat. "You were so upset over the loss, you wouldn't come out of your room for a week."
"What about the girl?," Flynn asked, curious.
"She's Ellie Richter, a renowed Pokemon Trainer and Coordinator from Lavaridge Town in Hoenn, known for her fashion sense and tough style of battle. She recently was the runner-up in the Hoenn League and placed fourth in the Grand Festival," Erald said.
"Yeah, I faced off against her myself in several Leagues and Contests over the years. I even narrowly beat in the finals of the Johto Grand Festival last year," Kensi recalled.
"Reminds me of Dawn," Ash said to himself. Back in the battle, the two trainers were still locked in a stalemate.
"Use Wrap and then Bite on Luxray, Seviper" Ellie said. Seviper quickly used its body to wrap itself around Luxray, immobilizing it.
"Luxray!," Raynard cried.
"Now Marshtomp, Hydro Pump on Sandslash!"
Marshtomp then unleashed a huge stream of water at Sandslash.
"Sandslash, use Dig and dodge it!"
Sandslash quickly burrowed underground, dodging the Hydro Pump. As Marshtomp looked to see where it would emerge…
"NOW!"
Suddenly, Sandslash popped out of the ground right under Marshtomp, sending it flying.
"Slash Attack!"
Sandslash's claw then glowed as it slashed Marshtomp hard sending to the ground.
"Now Luxray, use Thunder Fang!"
Luxray's teeth sparked with electricity as it bit Seviper, shocking it and forcing it to let go of Luxray.
"So that's the way you want it," Ellie said. "Marshtomp, MudShot! Seviper, Venoshock!"
Marshtomp shot balls of mud, while Seviper shot a special poisonous liquid at the two.
"Dodge, both of you," Raynard said as his Pokemon did just that. "Now finish this! Sanslash, use Rollout and Luxray, Thunderbolt!"
Luxray unleashed a powerful bolt of lightning at Seviper, while Sandslash curled into a ball and rolled at rapid speed at Marshtomp, with both attacks hitting their mark, and knocking them out.
"Oh-no!," Ellie cried.
"Marshtomp and Seviper are unable to battle. Luxray and Sandslash win!," a trainer who'd been refereeing said. At that the crowd cheered loudly, with several surrounding Raynard and his Poke. Several took their pictures, while he signed others' autographs. Ellie, meanwhile, looked over her battered Pokemon.
"Are you guys okay?," she asked.
"Marsh-tomp/Se-viper," they replied.
"You did good, take a rest."
She recalled her injured Pokémon along with those on her sidelines, as did Raynard with all of his after congratulating his battlers. She then walked over and extended your hand to shake it.
"Good battle. You really beat me."
"That's an understatement. I've faced far stronger than you," Raynard said in a snobbish-like tone.
"No need to be so rude," Ellie said annoyed and slightly angry.
"But, I have to acknowledge true strength when I see it. Good battle," Raynard said as he shook her hand at last. As the crowd began to disperse, Ash and the group approached them.
"Raynard, Ellie!," Ash said. "That was great!"
"Well, all ways great to have people, fan or observer comment on my superior battle skills," Raynard gleemed. Ellie only rolled her a
"Anyhow, you guys know us, who are you?," Ellie asked.
"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town in Kanto. And this is my partner Pikachu," Ash greeted.
"Pikachu," Pikachu greeted.
"I'm Alan Kenworth from Cyllage City in Kalos. And this is my partner Shinx" Alan introduce himself and Shinx.
"Shinx," Shinx greeted.
"I'm Megan Black and this is my brother Flynn, and we're from Azalea Town in Johto," Megan introduced her and Flynn.
"Hey," Flynn said in a droll voice.
"I'm Erald Konai from Saffron City, and this is my little cousin, Leo."
"Hi. Um this is my friend, Bulbasaur," Leo greeted, also introducing his future partner.
"Bulba-Bulbasaur!," said Bulbasaur.
"And I'm April Landors from Aspertia City in Unova, and this is my sister Kensi," April introduced her and Kensi. "I think you both remember her."
"Ah, yes," Raynard said with a grin. "Hello, Kensi."
"Well, well, Lady Landors, we meet again," Ellie slyly remarked.
"Hello, Ray, Ellie," Kensi greeted her old rivals. "It's been awhile."
"I assume you're competing in the Isle tournament?," Raynard asked.
"No, already been there, won that. April is competing this time."
"I see. Let's see if she's as strong as you are, though I doubt she'd ever be as strong as I am."
"Oh, we'll see about that," April said with confidence.
"And don't forget the rest of us," Ash said, regarding his friends. "We're all in it to win it! Right, guys?!"
"Right!," said Alan and Erald proudly.
"Pikachu!/Shinx!," said Pikachu and Shinx together.
"Of course," Flynn said pessimistically.
"And who knows, maybe I'll get to face off against one of you two," April remarked.
"Oh please, a little girl like you has no business in a tournament like this," sneered a smug voice. Everyone turned to where it came from and saw a 13-year old boy with spiky red hair, and wearing a red headband, a black jacket, a red shirt with a black "X" symbol, black and red pants, and black shoes.
"And what's that supposed to mean," April snapped back, offended.
"This tournament is for real trainers, not wannabes!"
"Hey, April's no wannabe!," Ash shouted at him.
"Sure she is, and so are you, considering that weakling little Pikachu of yours."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!," Ash snapped in anger.
"Pi-Pi Pikachu!," Pikachu snapped as well, its cheeks sparking in anger.
"Unless you make that Pikachu a Raichu, it's useless, especially against me and my Pokémon."
"Oh, yeah, well what kind of Pokemon do you have this time, Seamus?," Erald asked.
"Wait, you know this guy?," Megan asked.
"Meet Seamus McGavin everyone, the guy I most recently lost to in the Indigo League."
"Man, you lost to this jerk? That's a shame," Kensi said.
"It's okay, especially considering he got beaten in the final round."
"Whatever, but this time, I'm going all the way with these guys," Seamus said as he pulled out his PokeBalls and tossed all six into the air. In six flashes of light out popped a Charizard, Nidoking, Magmortar, Scizor, Typhlosion, and Pangoro.
"Wow, those are some powerful looking Pokemon," Leo said, very intimidated by how strong Seamus's team looked.
"Well, you can only expect power from me, since that's what Pokemon training is all about."
"You're wrong. That's not what it's about at all. It's about raising and bonding with your Pokemon and getting strong together," Ash said.
"Ash is right!," Alan said in agreement.
"Please, if you're into that worn-out philiosophy, then you're weaker and dumber than I thought," Seamus sneered.
"Then why don't you and me battle right here right now, and I'll show you!"
Before Seamus could respond, a beeping sound came from his pocket. He reached in and pulled out a PokéGear. Seeing the message on it, he pocketed it again.
"I would, but lucky for you, I have other business I have to attend to," he sneered as he recalled all of his Pokémon. "But don't worry, I have a feeling you and I will have our time soon."
"Oh believe me, we will," Ash said, uncharacteristically coldly.
"Pika Pika," Pikachu also coldly responded.
As Seamus walked away, the others stood looking at him with anger, offense, and disgust.
"What a jerk," April remarked with disgust.
"Yeah, well Seamus is not the kind of person or trainer you want to know," Erald said.
"What do you mean, Erald?," Ash asked.
"Well, he's competed in the Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Kalos Leagues. Throughout them, Seamus has this reputation about pushing his Pokemon very hard in training, sometimes until they can't even stand up. It's all so they can bring out his standards of power for his Pokémon."
"That's just selfish and awful," April said.
"Yeah, that's not what training Pokémon is about," Alan added.
"And there's more: he also has a reputation of abandoning his Pokémon when he views they aren't living or can no longer live up to his standards of power."
"That's despicable," Ellie said with anger in her voice. "Ditching a Pokemon just because it can't meet your expectations for strength and power–what kind of trainer is he?"
"The kind that shouldn't even be trainers," Flynn said with even more snark than usual.
"Indeed. I admit, I'm kinda self-absorbed and a snob, but even I wouldn't do such a thing with my Pokemon," Raynard added in agreement.
"Pika Pika!/Shinx!," Pikachu and Shinx growled with venom, recalling Fennekin and Eevee's abuse and their battle against the Power Players.
"I know and we've seen those kind of trainers from ourselves," Megan said.
"What do you mean, Meg?," Leo asked.
"We'll tell you guys later," Ash said. "We best get to training now."
"For once, I agree with Ketchum," Flynn agreed. "The sooner we get that guy off our mind, the better."
But before they could, everyone heard a police siren, and soon, Officer Jenny pulled up on a motorcycle with several police cars following.
Officer Jenny dismounted her motorcycle and approached the group.
"Excuse me, are any of you the ones who brought an injured Fennekin and Eevee into the Pokémon Center yesterday?," she asked.
Ash stepped forward and said, "Yeah, I did."
Alan, April, Kensi, Flynn, and Megan then all stepped forward and confirmed that they helped the two Pokémon, leaving Erald, Leo, Bulbasaur, Raynard, and Ellie confused.
"What's this about a Fennekin and Eevee?," Erald asked, curious. Taking notice of him, Ash and the others, looked down.
"Well, it's a long story…," he said upset.
Later, Officer Jenny and the two police cars had arrived at the Pokémon Center. Ash, Pikachu, and the others all exited the vehicles, with Ash and the others having told Erald, Leo, Bulbasaur, Raynard, and Ellie what had happened the previous day.
"Wow, I knew the Power Players were bad news, but I never imagined they were that bad," Erald said, very disheartened at the story he'd just heard.
"Me too, I can't believe any trainer could be so cruel to a Pokémon," Leo added.
"I know, it was mortifying for me too," Megan added.
"It's horrible, no doubt, but what did you expect from the Power Players?," Ellie asked.
"Indeed. They're always out making trouble for people," Raynard answered as the group entered the Pokémon Center following the police. Flynn, however, became confused as to how Ellie and Raynard knew the gang so well.
"How are you guys familiar with them?," he asked.
"Well, this actually isn't the first time I've competed in the tournament," Ellie answered. "It's actually my second."
"Mine either. It's my third," Raynard added.
Everyone, except Kensi, was astonished at this.
"You guys have competed in the tournament before?!," April asked.
"Yes. All trainers that finish in at least the Top 16 are automatically allowed to return at any time in the future for another chance. Otherwise, they have to prove themselves again wait for another invitation."
"Yeah, even I was offered to return to defend my title, but I said no," Kensi pointed out.
The group remained amazed at this as they followed the police to the front desk where Officer Jenny was talking with Nurse Joy and to everyone's surprise, Delia and Professor Oak.
"Mom, Professor!," Ash exclaimed upon seeing them. The two looked over and saw Ash and his friends, along with two other people they weren't familiar with.
"Ash, honey, there you are," Delia said as the group approached.
"What's going on?," April asked.
"Officer Jenny and the Island police wish to question you guys about what happened yesterday about Fennekin, Eevee and the Power Players."
"Oh, that," Ash replied, still upset about the incident.
"Pika," said Pikachu, also slightly downtrodden.
"Shinx," added an equally downtrodden Shinx.
"Plus, Nurse Joy called us to give us an update on Eevee and Fennekin," Oak added in.
"I see," Ash said, before remembering… "Oh, and Mom, professor, these are a couple of new friends of ours, Ellie Richter and Raynard Winters."
"Pleasure to meet you both," Oak said as he and Delia shook hands with both trainers.
"So you're the famous Kanto professor," Raynard said.
"Plus, quite a famed poet too," Ellie added. "At least, that's what I heard."
"Indeed I am," Oak answered with a smile, before his expression suddenly turned serious. "Normally, I would give a sampling of my poetry, but considering the present situation, I feel I should save it for later."
"Right, you wanted to ask us about yesterday Officer Jenny."
"My fellow officers overheard you all talking about it on the way here, but I'd like to hear the story myself."
Ash, Flynn, Alan, and Megan told the police the story of the previous day's incident. Officer Jenny took down the story on notes, and soon figured what was up.
"I see," she said. "I think I know what's been going on. Lately there's been a spike in incidents on the isle, where Pokémon are being brutally abused and abandoned, or trainers with certain Pokémon are seemingly being attacked out of nowhere. This incident is the seventh in the last month alone."
Everyone gasped at this in horror and disgust as Leo asked, "Seven of these in a month?!"
"Yes, and in that same amount of time, the Power Players membership has increased by 25%."
"So you're saying these incidents–," Raynard started to say.
"They're initiations."
Everyone then turned to see Mayor Stone standing there. With him was another man, with short, groomed black hair dressed in an all-black business suit and tie, with dress shoes, and a woman with chin-length purple hair and glasses, dress in a turquiose blouse and light green skirt, white flats.
"Mr. Mayor, sir," said Officer Jenny. "I didn't see you there."
"I couldn't help but overhear the conversation," he said, as he turned to the people with him. "Oh, and this is my Chief of Staff and best friend since childhood, Hanson Burke, and my personal assistant and secretary, Connie."
"Hello kids," said Burke.
"Good day," greeted Connie, slightly nervously.
"Well, what do you mean by 'initiations'?," Ash asked, suspicious and curious. "Are you saying that all these attacks on Pokémon and trainers are as a result of people wanting to join the Power Players?"
"I'm afraid so," Burke confirmed. Everyone was absolutely mortified and disgusted at this. How could anyone even consider joining up with such a horrible group of trainers?
"Who in their right mind would want to join up with those jerks?," April asked in disgust.
"Who indeed," Ellie added in, equally upset.
"Trainers who desire to become powerful, and are lured in by promises of that power, among other things," Mayor Stone answered, with a hint of shame in his voice.
Burke stepped forward and said, "We've been doing all that we can to contain their influence, such banning them from the events and the tournament as both participants and spectators, setting up warnings to people to not be swayed by their desires…"
"We've even formed a task force with both local police and some of the island's top trainers to fight them," Connie added in.
"It's been hard, unfortunately," Mayor Stone. "Which is why we need help from young trainers and soon-to-be trainers like all of you."
"Wow, really? You need our help on this?," Megan asked, amazed at this.
"You bet! If you kids seen any other incidents like yesterday by the Power Players or any other of these so-called trainers, there are two things we're counting on you to do. Number one, step in and interfere if possible. And number two, call the authorities or tell any adult you can trust."
"You can bet we'll do both, right everyone?," Ash said as he turned to his friends, who all voiced their agreement with him.
The mayor and Burke both smiled as the latter said, "Happy to hear that kids."
Just then, Connie looked at her PDA and gasped.
"Um, sirs, sorry to interrupt but we need to oversee the final preparations for the first event," she told the two men.
"Right," Mayor Stone said as he turned back to the group. "If you'll excuse us, kids, we have to get back to work."
"Yeah, it was nice meeting you all, and I can't wait to see you all in the tournament."
"It was great to meet you too, Mr. Burke," said Erald. "And you too, Connie."
Connie nodded as Mayor Stone said, "Have a nice day."
The three then walked away, leaving Ash, his friends, their Pokemon, Delia and Oak still with Officer Jenny and the other police.
"Anyways, I better get back and file this report," Jenny said. "If any of you see the trainers who abused those Pokémon again, you let me know, okay?"
Ash and his friends nodded as Jenny and the police left the Pokemon Center. At the same moment, Nurse Joy approached them.
"Um, sorry for the wait, I didn't wish to be rude," she explained.
"Right, uh, there was an update about Fennekin and Eevee," Kensi reminded her.
"Yes. I can happily say that both of them have made an almost full recovery and they are better enough to be discharged."
Ash, Pikachu, their friends, Delia, and Oak all became happy at the news.
"That's great to hear," Oak said as Chansey wheeled both Pokemon out on a cart. Everyone crowded around to see them.
"Hey, there," Ash greeted the two cheerfully. "You remember me and Alan?"
"Yeah, we're the ones that saved you," Alan said as he reached out to pet them. But no sooner did he do so than Fennekin and Eevee got into defensive positions and hissed at him, startling him back, and shocking the other trainers.
"Wow, they seem pretty defensive," April noted.
"It's understandable considering everything they've just gone through," Oak observed. "They likely have lost their trust for humans."
"All because of the horrible things their trainers and those Power Players did to them," Delia added.
"I remember my friend Brock told me that the best way to gain a Pokémon's trust is too slowly approach them and show that you care," Ash put in. "Like maybe offer them some Pokémon food or a treat."
"I actually have some Poffins right here," Ellie said as she took out a small tin container and opened it up to reveal Poffins. She then removed a couple of them.
"Excellent," Alan said.
"I wanna offer Eevee one," Megan declared.
"Are you sure about that, Meg?," Flynn asked with concern that this might not work and that his sister could be hurt by the Pokémon.
"Relax, Flynn, nothing's gonna happen. It's all under control."
"And I'll handle Fennekin," Delia said as she and Megan took the Poffins from Ellie. They then slowly stretched out their arms with the Poffins in hand towards the still-defensive Fennekin and Eevee. "Here. Don't worry, we're friends."
"We won't hurt you, we promise."
Fennekin and Eevee dropped most of their defensiveness, and slowly crept over to Delia and Megan's outstretched hands. They both sniffed the Poffins and then, with one swift move, gobbled them up. Enjoying the treat, the two delightfully spoke with glee, much to everyone's happiness.
"Looks like that did the trick," Erald said. Fennekin and Eevee then brushed up against Delia and Megan's respective hands, showing affection to them.
"It seems they feel they can trust you," Oak observed.
"Yeah," Ash added. Eevee then lept into Megan's arms, and Fennekin into Delia's, catching them off-guard. As the Pokémon snuggled with them, Delia and Megan could only smile warmly.
"I think it's more than just trust, I think they actually they actually like you guys," Leo observed.
"Wow, that's so great!," April said as she reached to pet the two, but upon seeing her, the two soon hissed in defense again, causing her to back off. "Um…"
"It seems they don't trust all humans yet though," Raynard pointed out.
"Coulda warned me…"
"Well, we can change that," Ash said to the two Pokémon. "Me and the rest of these guys are your friends too, and so are our Pokémon."
"Pikachu!," Pikachu said in agreement.
"Eevee!," Eevee said with delight.
"Fenne-kin," Fennekin added.
"Well, I was going to suggest you take them in, since they don't have anywhere else, but it seems to me they've all ready made that choice," said Nurse Joy.
"Well, welcome to the family, Fennekin," Ash said with a smile.
"Pika!," Pikachu added.
"And I guess, you too, Eevee," Flynn added as well. Megan's eyes immediately flashed with excitement.
"Wait, you mean it, Flynn?!," she asked.
"Well, I'll have to run it by Dad, but, I don't see why he'd say now."
"Yay!," Megan cheered as she hugged Eevee tight. She then whispered to him, "I promise I'll never let anybody hurt you again."
Eevee was taken aback by those words, but snuggled up with Megan with a smile.
Later, everyone was leaving the Pokémon Center to go about the rest of their day.
"Well, it's back to the villa for me and the professor," Delia, still carrying Fennekin, said to Ash and his friends. "I can't wait until Mimey and Fennekin meet each other."
"I'll bet it'll be an excellent observation on how they get along," Oak remarked as he turned back to the group. "I assume you're all going to back to training?"
"Yep, and in the process, Eevee's gonna make a whole bunch of new friends as well," Ash exclaimed with Pikachu, Shinx, Bulbasaur, and the rest of the group (sans Ellie and Raynard) backing his claim up.
"I have no doubt," Delia said with a chuckle. "Well see ya later."
Delia, Oak, and Fennekin made their way back to the villa as the group bid farewell to them.
"So let's get back to the training area," Alan said to everyone.
"Shinx!," Shinx agreed.
"Um, Ellie, Raynard, perhaps you could join us in training for the tournament? The more the merrier," Erald told the two new friends.
"I do appreciate the offer, but I prefer to train alone," Raynard said to the group.
"Yeah, I pull off my best training while riding solo," Ellie added in agreement.
"Well, whatever floats your boat," Kensi said to the two.
"Either way, let's get going," said Ash to everyone. With that, the group walked off making their way back to the training area.
But what none of them knew was that three certain criminal operatives and two of their pop were observing them from close by.
"So, the twerp's got a new gang of twerp friends," James said with a sneer.
"And they've all probably got a whole arsenal of powerful Pokémon," added Jessie with a smirk.
"All just ripe for da pickin' and stealin'," Meowth added.
"Wob-buffet," Wobbuffet threw in.
"Mime Mime!," Mime Jr. added.
"Da boss will be so pleased with us nabbing Pikachu and all those other Pokémon, we'll all be promoted to his elite!"
"I can just see it now," Jessie exclaimed with stars in her eyes. "The best equipment, the best access, even the best superiority over other minions!"
"Well, let's follow them and see what kind of Pokémon they have exactly," James suggested snidely.
"Right, let's go!"
Who's That Pokémon?: This Pokémon has eight different evolutionary forms!